The gold standard is rectal temperature. However obtaining this is more time consuming than other methods and might be considered unfavourable for some patients dzarr et al 2009.
Inspiring Change Which Core Body Temperature Measurement
Most accurate core body temperature measurement. Practitioners should pay particular attention to issues of privacy. The pulmonary artery catheter which measures blood temperature is considered the gold standard for measuring core temperatures. 2 autonomic as well as behavioral responses to changes in temperature maintain homeostasis or a range of normal around 37 c. One study found that these were comparable in accuracy to rectal temperature. The normal temperature range is approximately between 366 c and 380 c. Accurate rapid and safe measurement of core body temperature is very important.
In most adults a fever is an oral temperature above 1004f 38c or a rectal or ear temperature above 101f 383c. The most accurate way to measure temperature is to take a rectal reading. Result variation with this type of measurement is low and the precision is particularly high. P 368 fourth bullet under key points critical thinking question. Body temperature is a measure of your bodys ability to make and get rid of heat. The rectal or vaginal temperature is generally considered to give the most accurate assessment of core body temperature particularly in hypothermia.
Taking a rectal measurement is the most reliable way to obtain a core temperature value. In the early 2000s ingestible thermistors in capsule form were produced allowing the temperature inside the digestive tract to be transmitted to an external receiver. Measurement by tympanic thermometer comes closest to core body temperature. Rectal temperature is said to be the most accurate method for measuring the core temperature lefrant et al 2003. Many physicians feel that using the electronic termometer is more accurate than using a tympanic thermometers for an ill adult. However taking this temperature is invasive impractical and time consuming in triage rooms with high patient flows and is associated with the possibility of perforation.
1 core body temperature is regulated by both peripheral and central receptors that are integrated within the hypothalamus. 347 under skill 21 1 q 2.
Gallery of Most Accurate Core Body Temperature Measurement
